SINGAPORE -- area code (65)

Advisory: Singapore is politically conflicted about the natural desires of its citizens, straight and gay. In 2007 oral sex was finally decriminalized, but only for heterosexuals. While sporting one of Asia's most vibrant and fun gay scenes and a huge Wikipedia entry on Singapore Gay History, homosex (not homosexuals) remains illegal. Vestiges of antique British sodomy laws remain in force despite sloganeering for "Asian values", a weak disguise for conservative religion-based discrimination against sexual minorities (although Christians and fundamentalists are a minority in Singapore society, they hold half of the civil service jobs). Outrageously, while banning gay and lesbian self-help groups, government officials awarded a large grant of public money in 2006 to a Christian group that tries to un-gay queers. Fundamentalists have also been paid to teach lopsided sexuality courses in public schools. In 2009 an attempted takeover of a large women's NGO by Christian gay-haters was aborted by public outrage forcing the government to warn against mixing religion with secular politics.

Singapore's first public GLBT pride festival, Indignation, took place during the month of Aug in 2005. On May 16, 2009, thousands of GLBT and their freinds and families rallied peacefully in Hong Lim Park for the first PinkDot, calling for acceptance and an end to discrimination. The arts, especially theater, have been openly exploring the subject of homosexuality since the 1990s.

Police harassment and entrapment of gays ceased following Lee Kuan Yew's unexpected 1998 CNN statement that "what we are doing as a government is to leave people to live their own lives so long as they don't impinge on other people. I mean, we don't harass anybody." Most gay business owners took those words to heart and Singapore's gay scene quickly became more visible, diverse, and world-class.

In October, 2007, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong told Parliament, "We recognise that homosexuals are part of our society. They have a place in our society and are entitled to their private lives."

Deputy PM Wong Kan Seng emphasized in 2009 that Singapore is a "stable society with traditional, heterosexual family values, but with space for homosexuals to live their private lives and contribute to the society."

Global access to information and the rapid economic advancement of this small island nation have created a mobile and progressive generation of educated, fit, English-speaking young men and women of diverse cultural backgrounds. The art of conversation is alive and well here and you will make fast friends who won't be afraid to challenge your thinking with their own opinions. Green, modern and organized, The Lion City is also a haven for well-to-do expats. To keep it's economy growing, the country has been filling its work force with millions of additional foreign workers from around the region. In fact, it's getting rare to see Singaporeans staffing any of their bustling mega-malls.

Southeast Asia's best cuisines are collected together here in one place. Safe and clean multi-ethnic neighborhoods ripe for exploring. There are shopping malls up the wazoo, world-class hotels, sport-spa-and-health legal highs, rollicking nightlife, art museums, nature reserves, andeven a packed casino. All of this is tied together with an efficient and inexpesnive rapid transit system.

Singapore's pink dollars fueled a renaissance of gay-owned and managed businesses across the island in the first decade of the 21st century. The tourist area of Chinatown has several dozen rainbow venues filling up heritage buildings and attracting a steady flow of local clientele and in-the-know regional visitors. The annual Pink Dot gathering to celebrate tolerance and diversity has seen increased attendance year after year. Recent surveys show a growing acceptance of LGBT in society in general, especially among youth.

The government has been officially hiring open homosexuals into the civil service for years now and gay and lesbian talents are sought after in the work force as the country strives to maintain its Asian "tiger" status. This new pragmatism seems set to continue.

In fact, Singapore has one of Asia's hottest gay scenes going. Nobody would have predicted a decade ago that Bangkok would become dully conservative while Singapore would ascend to the wild heights last explored by the party men of 1970s San Francisco. Nobody but us. Singapore (along with Tokyo) has always been one of those round-the-clock gay fun factories, only now its scene has moved indoors from serene tropical cruise beaches, steamy inner-city jungle gardens, parking garages and and shadowy alleys. Unfortunately, along with this shift into high homo gear has come yet another young generation who think they invented partying and are somehow immune to the effects of drugs and STDs.

The population of Singapore is over 5.5 million people, which means that more than 220,000 Utopians live on this island along with an even larger number of self-professed metrosexual bi guys and gals who also participate in the local scene.

6 Eu Tong Sen St, #06-15, Utopia Map, 6100-2878, email. Professional advice for gays and lesbians on immigration to Australia. Registered migration agent based in Singapore. All migration options for Australia are provided including helping gay and lesbian partners of Australian PRs/citizens. Utopia Member Discount

9383-8656, email. Gay and lesbian-friendly web development company that brings the best online presence for your website to your audience and customers. Their solution includes Web development, E-commerce, Graphic User Interface Design, SEO and Online Marketing. Utopia Member Discount

Singapore's first public gay pride festival took place in Aug 2005 and has become an annual event with larger premises and broader programs. The name is a foil to Singapore's melting pot National Day celebration, with its indigenous GLBT citizens indignant at being criminalized and discriminated against.

57B Pagoda St, Utopia Map, hotline: 6268-6626 (Tue-Thu 7-10pm and Sat 2-6pm), FAX 6399-4255, email. Founded in 1999, Oogachaga is Singapore's only community-based organisation specialised in counseling and support for GLBT. It runs a hotline, an affordable face-to-face counseling service, support group and informative workshops and talks.

56 Lorong 23 Geylang
#03-00 Century Technology Building, email. Established in collaboration with HIV/STI prevention programs of AfA. The center is comprised of a library of 700+ GLBT-themed books (open for browsing/borrowing, enquire for times). They also offer counseling and referrals for medical, legal and other services.

Pink Dot Sg is a non-profit movement for everyone, straight and gay, who support the belief that everyone deserves the freedom to love. Pink Dot stands for an open, inclusive society where sexual orientation represents a feature, not a barrier. They organize an annual public gathering to form a giant pink dot, to say "we are here," visible to satellite cameras circling the earth.

Email. Gay-owned, specialised tours for visitors to Singapore. Explore the fascinating cultures, foods and history of Chinatown, also the heart of Singapore's gay scene. Utopia Member Discount

Tour Guide Service in Singapore

email. Licensed tourist guide to Singapore. Available for hire for personal/small group tour guiding. Experience the sights and sounds of Singapore along with its history, culture, heritage, food, and night scene. Gay and lesbian-friendly. Utopia Member Discount

Orchard Rd. Gayer than ever! Check out the steam room as well as the dry sauna on the men's floor level 3, end of the shower section.

California Fitness Center shower rooms and steam rooms.

Fitness First branches, especially the branch at One George Street is happening. Active sauna and steam room. UTOPIAN VERIFIED JUN 2014

True Fitness has lots of eye candy in most branches, especially the Suntec and Raffles branch.

The Art Club Singapore UTOPIA VERIFIED AUG 2012

98B Duxton Rd, Utopia Map, 9838-2353, email. Gay-owned gallery and shop presenting the work of talented European, American and Australian artists in Asia. In Singapore's bustling Chinatown district. Utopia Member Discount

Singapore has one of the most vibrant cruising scenes in the region. In general, let locals make the first move. Contacts you make in public are at your own risk. Be discreet.

Beaches

Ask a local for directions as the specific hot spots shift. Late day and evening. Several locations.

Fort Road beach carpark area UTOPIAN VERIFIED SEP 2013

Once you make your way out of the carpark and towards the footpath, there are some cruising spots there, but do be discreet. Best times are Fri and Sat, 11pm onwards.

Pasir Ris, behind Aloha Holiday Chalets (after Toilet A). Located on the right of the carpark next to Aloha. Stretching from the public facility towards the end of pathway, there is a roundabout. Totally dark, great for group fun, couple fun and more. Many male joggers pretend to exercise and stretch by the dead end beach and go naked. Lots of action after 11pm until early hours.UTOPIAN VERIFIED JAN 2012

A number of small parks and darker alleys afford late-night cruisers a place to haunt, although growing less popular with the advent of cruising on smart devices. Cruising by car remains popular, especially along Telok Ayer and Amoy St. Amoy St is a cruising spot for all types especially from 10pm onwards. Parks are also meeting spots. There is also a 24-hour ramen/western food restaurant open at the corner of Amoy St and near the Amoy St market. A hang out in the wee hours after clubbing.

Heartlands - Pasir Ris, Drive 4, behind EsParis Condo. Especially after dusk and warm Sat afternoons. Hook up with guys jogging through the park. Action at the corner nearer to drive 4 side shelter. Nice place for a chill-out with bare body hunks. Beverages and snacks available within one minute below the park at SPC gas station, open 24/7. UTOPIA VISITED AUG 2012

Hong Lim Park, Chinatown UTOPIA VISITED AUG 2012

Utopia Map. Nicknamed "Jurassic Park". It was THE cruising place in the early 80's until the local authorities clamped down after a press report. All bushes and trees have been cut or pruned. Yet, older men still come here to meet up.

Pasir Ris and Tampines have large gay communities. Check out the town parks or gardens below the blocks. UTOPIAN VERIFIED DEC 2013

Punggol Park is cruisy with night joggers and exhibitionists weekdays and weekends past midnight. Just go to the other side of the lake, around the exercise area. UTOPIAN VERIFIED JUN 2014

Serangoon Rd

Utopia Map. For South Asian lovers who are in Singapore, arrive at Farrer Park MRT Station. The pavillion to Exit A itself is cruisy, all the way from the front yard of Serangoon Shopping Centre, around the lanes of Mustafa Centre to the Tekka Market. Hanging around the front yard are mostly South Asians of the northern parts, i.e. Punjabis (noticeable by the steel bangles they wear), Sindhis and Nepalis, plus occasional Bangladeshis who are mostly there for some income. The cruise buoys from the front yard of Serangoon Shopping Centre (with the big Mustaffa and Pizza neon sign) to the shopfront eateries by the traffic light and all the way across the traffic lights to Exit A pavillion of the Farrer MRT Station. In the evening, all around this pavillion is cruisy. Check out the left side facing the greens where there is a bicycle parking rank. Seated on the polished stones are often Bangladeshi laborers and other South Asians, often seen connecting and exchanging mobile numbers. Down the station is a cruisy toilet to the left of the escalator - very busy during weekends. Wary South Asians now avoid the urinals. Beware of security as in all parts of Singapore public facilities. The G/F toilet at the Serangoon Shopping Centre is also cruisy. After the main entrance, take the last left turn before the exit and you will see watches on displays in show cases - Seiko and Titoni signs flanking both sides. Walk through this path to pass the electronic sensor and take the long winding corridor veering right to come to the facilities at the end. Urinals are busy and the cubicle partitions are bored with holes. Beware of security. Connect with your new friend or exchange numbers and leave the place. Avoid repetitous use within a short duration or Mr Seiko and Mr Titoni may report you to security. You may speak to the obvious local Utopians at the front yard for more cruise tips, but it makes your hobby obvious to the crowd.

Shopping Centers

Locals cruise around the new suburban shopping complexes near MRT stops. While you may chose to strike up a conversation, remember that security is vigilant. It is best to go somewhere else with your new friend.

Once nicknamed "headquarters," there's still some cruising around the facilities, especially in the car park.

Roxy Square 1 and Roxy Square 2 UTOPIA VISITED SEP 2013

East Coast Rd, near Katong area. Quiet places for shopping, but great for cruising in the facilties. Best times are in the afternoon till evening, before 10pm. In Roxy Square 2 the best is the top floor facility.

Suntec City UTOPIA VERIFIED AUG 2012

Utopia Map. 2/F (next to Reds salon) and 3/F. Also from here to Marina Bay.

Takashimaya/Ngee Ann City UTOPIA VERIFIED AUG 2012

Utopia Map. 3/F facilities next to Kinokuniya, afternoons through evenings. Also car park facilities on 6/F and 7/F. Watch for security.

Tampines UTOPIA VERIFIED AUG 2012

Shopping areas in this east Singapore enclave are hopping, especially Century Square facilities on Level 1, Level 5 and the stairwells.

Utopia Map. Bedok MRT Station. Take Bedok North Ave 3 to the pool and the stadium is just behind. Walk towards the tennis court and there is a site under construction and this narrow sidewalk is dark and a lot of activities. Nights. Very cruisy after midnight, especially Fri and weekends.

Bukit Batok Nature Park UTOPIAN VERIFIED AUG 2013

Many guys are cruising. The
dress code is to not wear a top if you are interested in being approached. There are usually many gay ang moh (white guys) there on the weekend at anytime of the day. Facilities are cruisy on the weekends.

Utopia Map. Take a jog around dusk and you might meet a hunter for a quick nature safari.

Tampines, (near the Esso station) Block opposite the Esso Station is very busy with joggers at night. UTOPIA VERIFIED AUG 2012

Swimming Pools

Infamous and popular meeting spots. Be discreet and let the local take the lead if they show interest. Weekdays, afternoon to dusk.

Bukit Batok swimming pool UTOPIAN VERIFIED SEP 2013

By 7:30pm families leave and the place becomes slow and silent. At that time the facilities (one glory hole) and changing room become good to cruise. Some guys shower without closing the door. A lot of guys like to parade naked here.

Buona Vista, Holland Village

Delta

Utopia Map. Close to the Redhill MRT Station, inside the Delta Housing Estate.

Comments from Utopians:

"Four LGBT-friendly cafes that our transgender group has been frequenting and the owners happen to be part of lgbt communities. Bricks & Cubes Cafe, The Cathay, 2 Handy Road #02-12/14, 6735-7571. A great place to cuddle in the Cathay. Gobi Desserts Joo Chiat Outlet. The owners are transgenders and they are really incredible bakers. We have our regular SGGURLS meet there. SGGURLS is a transgender group and we have informal meets every month. Joo Chiat (Central Kitchen), 350 Joo Chiat Rd, 6345-2127. Mon-Thu 7am-9pm, Fri - Sun 7am-10pm. Bedok Point, #03-34 Bedok Point, 799 New Upper Changi Rd, 6242-4787, Mon-Sun noon-10pm. Rock n Ash
For a place like Changi Village, there's no lgbt cafe around except for this little rare find. Rock N Ash, 01-2004 BLK 1 Changi Village Rd (a few doors down from 7-11/OCBC ATM Machine), 6542-6568. The cafe is not exactly easy to find. It's near the airplane landmark. They serve great food to boot. The owners are transgenders." -- singslave, Mar 25, 2015

5-way intersection at Maxwell, Tanjong Pagar, Neil and South Bridge Rds, Utopia Map. The crowd at this popular hawker center becomes 50% gay after midnight on clubs nights as partiers from nearby bars and discos refuel.

Nanyang Old Coffee UTOPIA VISITED AUG 2014

On the corner of Smith Street and South Bridge Rd, Utopia Map. Traditional Singapore coffee with subtle caramel flavor, hot or cold. Traditional snacks including some of the best pork bao on the planet. Who knew a half-boiled egg with a drizzle of sticky, black soy sauce would go to great with coffee!

Red Star (dim sum)UTOPIA VISITED AUG 2012

07-23 Blk 54 Chin Swee Rd, Utopia Map, 6532-5266. We're going to let you in on a well-kept secret, so promise not to tell anyone, OK? This old fashioned dim sum restaurant is hidden inside of a block of flats near the non-touristy section of Chinatown and is a super popular place with locals for yum cha feasts on a wide selection of goodies carted around the room. Alas, they redecorated in 2007 -- with mundane, mismatched and misguided decor -- wiping out 90% of this restaurant's former retro charm (sorry Wallpaper, you didn't get here fast enough). The only remaining bit of historical kitch is the revolutionary red star motif on the ceiling from way way back when Mao was an icon. Still it' remains an unpretentious place to savor top-notch no-fuss ever-popular taste treats with your good comrades.

Tea Chapter (traditional Chinese tea house)UTOPIA VISITED AUG 2012

9A-9B Neil Rd, Utopia Map, 6226-1175. 11am-11pm Tue-Sun, 7pm-11pm Mondays. Rustic setting in a restored shophouse. Countless varieties of tea to try, all with properties and poetic names. Learn to prepare tea in the Chinese style. A unique place to relax with a group of friends.

Tong Heng (traditional Chinese pastries)UTOPIA VISITED AUG 2014

285 Southbridge Rd, Utopia Map, 6223-3649. This foodie shrine serves up more than a dozen types of traditional sweets including their famous diamond-shaped egg custard tart, savory pastries, and seasonal holiday sweets such as Dragon Boat Festival rice dumplings and mid-Autumn mooncakes. Best of all, they spent 6 months researching and producing fabulous wall-mounted panels describing the history of each and every heritage treat. This unpretentious shop is a Singapore superlative. They also have the most strange and wonderful thing you've (possibly) ever put in your mouth: sweet and chewy cookies glazed with salty pork juice!

Village Wok

80/82 Telok Ayer St #01-01, Utopia Map, 6743-9743. Their business card says "Singapore's only Old Canton Village cuisine and restaurant cum sauce boutique." We didn't try the cum sauce, but did love their do-it-yourself "wet" spring rolls. You order a variety of delicious ingredients, savory and sweet sauces, plus moist filling that makes these stand out from the average spring roll. After dining, be sure to visit the beautifully restored temple next door and view the diorama of Singapore life when this street was once at the ocean's edge.

Near the Newton MRT station, Utopia Map. World-famous and very touristy. Every section of city has its own hawker center. Many regional specialties can be found. Get a table, then order from any booth you fancy. Food paradise.

OTHER AREAS

East Coast Parkway Seafood Centre UTOPIA VISITED AUG 2014

Utopia Map. Take a taxi. Sit near the ocean at any one of the large open-air establishments (we always go to Red House Seafood, 6442-3112). Great, fresh seafood. Don't miss the sweet and crunchy fried baby squid, pepper crab (ask for female crabs because they come with their own caviar), grilled prawns, and drunken prawns (brought to the table sober, they are dropped, skittering, into a clear bowl containing liquor so that they're feeling no pain when its time for the cooking pot). End the meal with a warm pudding of yam paste and coconut milk topped with ginko nuts.

55 Lorong L Telok Kurau, #01-59/61 Bright Centre (on Lorong L a few shops down from the intersection), Utopia Map, 9006-4163, email. This gay and lesbian-run local diner serves hearty, wholesome, home-cooked fare such as soups, salads, pastas, sandwiches, and sweets (try their signature Brownie Popsicle!). There are also dishes to please vegetarians. Very casual and unpretentious. Free Wi-fi, community bookshelf and pet-friendly! Resonably priced. Also available for special events and functions. See map and directions on their website. Utopia Member Discount

G/F Roxy Square (a couple of food stalls in from the door facing East Coast Rd), Utopia Map. Billed as "The Original Katong Spoon Laksa," who could argue when presented with a picture perfect bowl of this delish gift to world cuisine. The cheap price is almost as thrilling as the flavors steaming up from the broth. Warm coconut milk with prawn and chili paste envelops chewy noodles and bee hoon topped with shrimp slices, tender smoked cockles and savory chopped keffir lime leaf. No shame, must order one more, lah! Also, tried the banana-leaf steamed mackerel otah from the neighboring stall.

75 Tras St, #01-01, Utopia Map, 8138-1929, email. Gay-owned, holistic wellness practice specializing in natural and energetic treatments and products. Homeobotanical therapy, crystal resonance therapy, homeopathic-herbal tinctures, flower essences, and more. They offer an alternative option for the discerning person who would like to seek a more gentle but effective way of healing the mind and body. Utopia Member Discount

2/F 32B Boat Quay, 03-01/02, Utopia Map, 6538-6466, email. In the row of heritage shophouses facing the river and waterfront dining pavilions. Pimabs means Perennial Image Management And Bespoke Services, but you may come to call it "essential" when it comes to personal style. Their men's fashion boutique specializes in custom-made clothing and image consultation to polish your overall appearance. They will analyze your individual skin undertone to select the best colors and fabrics for you, giving expert advice on dos and don'ts to compliment your original style. The warm environment is filled with mid-century modern and classic retro touches, featuring showcases of accessories and racks of ready-to-wear fashion-forward garments favored by celebrities, fashion models and trend-setters. From an expertly detailed tux to boldly colored and textured red-carpet looks, Pimabs is a one-stop haven for those who appreciate a well-tailored lifestyle. For bespoke clothing, please visit for measurements and consultation when you first arrive in town, as custom garments will take some days to complete. Utopia Member Discount

#02-06, 21 Cuscaden Rd, Ming Arcade (opposite Hard Rock Cafe), Utopia Map, 6737-3543, email. Gay-friendly, multi-label men's lifestyle store. They curate leading underwear and swimwear brands such as TOOT, GX3, C-IN2, Andrew Christian, STUD, Very STUD, Groovin', 2EROS, Hunter & Crew, Teron, Exponent, and more. They also carry a specially curated collection of socks from Los Angeles' Unsimply Stitched. To help men look their best, they stock cult grooming brands such as Evolution Man, Task Essential, TOM ROBINN, and BRAD Biophotonic. Worth checking out also is a new collection of specially curated adult toys including Tenga and Toy's Heart from Japan, Rocks-Off from the UK, GlÃ¤s and Blueline from New York, pjur from Germany, ID Lube from Los Angeles, as well as specialty premium condoms from Japan. Also on display is a gallery exhibition of artistic Asian male nudes. Worth checking out also is a new collection of specially curated adult toys including Tenga and Toy's Heart from Japan, Rocks-Off from the UK, GlÃ¤s and Blueline from New York, pjur from Germany, ID Lube from Los Angeles, as well as specialty premium condoms from Japan. Also on display is a gallery exhibition of artistic Asian male nudes. Utopia Member Discount